The Association of Farmworker Opportunity estimates that there are about 500,000 children working in American farms today. Sadly, a majority of them are as young as 12 years old. Such kids work in conditions where they are exposed to dangerous chemicals, with some capable of causing cancer. What most employers don’t know is that they risk hefty penalties for employing such kids.
If you ask any top international business attorney New York has to offer about hiring kids that are below 14 years, you’ll be highly advised against the idea. The Fair Labor Standards Act forbids hiring kids, of whatever age, in places that are considered hazardous.
Nonetheless, the same labor laws establishes the age at which teenagers can get a job, the type of jobs that they are allowed to do, and the needed paperwork. The laws also offer a clear guidance on when and where teens can get their first paid positions. So that you may understand who you should employ, here are the basics.
1. Children below 14 Years
A child below 14 years is not supposed to be employed in a non-agricultural sector. In fact, they are expected to concentrate on school and shouldn’t be looking for a job. However, if it’s a family business, maybe a farm, the kid can do some light duties there on a weekend or a few hours after school. The other exception is light tasks like acting and making deliveries. Kids below 14 years are allowed to do such tasks when they are not in school.
2. Children Aged 14-15
These kids can work in a non-agricultural sector, at most 3 hours a day provided that the job is safe. Nonetheless, they are not supposed to work during school hours. Preferably, they should work during weekends and when on holiday.
3. Children Aged 16-17
Unlike the kids aged 14 and 15, kids aged 16-17 can work for an unlimited number of hours so long as it doesn’t compromise their studies. They can work in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The sectors, though, have to be safe and non-hazardous. They are discouraged from working in:
• Mining and excavation sectors
• Firefighting sectors
In addition, there are restrictions as to what equipment they can use. For example, they are not supposed to use power-driven heavy machines like power saws, grinders, commercial mixers, and meat slicers until they reach 18.
As an employer, it’s important to understand these laws. You can always talk to an international business attorney New York or New York child labor law attorneys whenever something is not clear. The attorneys will give you the legal counsel that you need to make a better decision.
